AINSDALE’S most notorious eyesore could be redeveloped into residential property.

Toad Hall, situated on the seafront, was originally intended to be the start of a site called Ainsdale on Sea.

However, it was never completed, and, although the building has been used to host a number of venues over the years, including a nightclub, it is currently derelict.

Through the smashed windows, a room has been piled high with litter and the empty shell continues to cast its shadow over beach-goers and tourists.

Retired councillor Brenda Porter has previously led a campaign to clear up the grot spots in Ainsdale.

“It gives the wrong impression,” she said.

“We have got to seriously look at all this.”

But Ainsdale has a great track record in revamping parts of the village, with the Community Garden hailed a huge success.

Now Capita Symonds is set to renovate the building into more desirable properties.

The move corresponds with a report by Sefton’s head of planning Jane Gowing which finds the site a poor location for most types of development - but not flat conversion.

She said: “The site is of historic value, though not protected by any formal designation.

“The original buildings should be retained. However, there is some scope for demolishing the more modern structures on the site and replacing them with new extensions of appropriate size, scale and design.”

She added: “The most appropriate use is conversion to either flats, dwelling houses or both.

“The reasons for this are because the buildings were originally designed for this purpose and also because the site is not suitable for most other purposes because of its inaccessible location and because of its setting within an internationally designated nature conservation area.”

WHAT do you think about the plans for Toad Hall? Do you have any memories of the site? Email danielle. manning@liverpool.com or write to the Visiter Offices, 26–32 Tulketh Street, Southport, PR8 1BT.